Whatever sport she has focused on, she has excelled at. During the winter sports season, that has called for her to use her talents as a powerlifter.

McKinkley has made a steady progression over the years at Port Huron High School and recently surprised herself with a one of a kind performance. She set new personal best records by squatting 350 pounds, bench pressing 210 pounds and dead-lifting 370 pounds. Her overall total of 930 pounds was good enough for first place in her weight class and also set a new school record.

For her performance, McKinley is the Times Herald Athlete of the Week.

Tavaras Oliver of New Haven, Colton McKiernan of Richmond and Kaia Scheffler of Marysville were also considered for the award.

"I got into powerlifting when my football coach for my brother, Dave Tatti, called my house wanting to talk to my mom about it," Dayle recalled. "He really wanted me to do it and also my coach John Johnson called my house and wanted me to try. So I thought it would be fun and why not try it out."

The rest is history. McKinley has improved year after year and is now in the record books at Port Huron.

"I have been stronger my whole life," McKinley said. "I could always lift more. I grew up with three brothers and I was always helping them out. It was fun to start powerlifting because of the great energy and how happy all of the girls were. It's a great environment."

McKinley said she has even surprised herself with the improvement she has seen over the years.

"I remember in eighth grade I could only lift 100 pounds on the bench and now I'm up to 210 pounds," she said. "It's crazy to see how much I'm lifting. It's just being consistent. With every season I'm playing a sport and I just try to do my best."

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Port Huron's Dayle McKinley forces an out at third and throws to first during a softball game Friday, April 21, 2017 at Port Huron High School.(Photo: JEFFREY M. SMITH, TIMES HERALD)

In the fall, McKinley suited up for the Port Huron football team as an offensive lineman. During the spring, she is also expected to play softball.

"Playing sports in high school has made my life better," McKinley said. "It's fun being with everyone and playing with my friends. I have made new friends on every single team I've been on. It's been a great experience being with everyone and learning new things from hanging around each other.

"My goal the rest of the season is to break all four records at the state meet this year and go out with a bang. Hopefully, I win varsity states this year and we can beat Croswell-Lexington. They have beat us six years in a row and it would be nice to win for the seniors."

Contact Joseph Hayes at (810) 989-6268 or at jahayes@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter @Joseph_Hayes11.